Main menu

You are here

Wilson County looks to end 2013 on a high note

Anyone searching for some good news in these last few days of 2013 can look no further than some recent headlines.

Dec 28, 2013

Anyone searching for some good news in these last few days of 2013 can look no further than some recent headlines.

Several stories of late point to the growth and continued success Wilson County and the cities within it have seen during the past year.

For starters, reports of increased home sales and sales tax revenues point to an ever-improving economy.

Wilson County’s sales tax revenues for November were about $300,000 higher than the same time a year before. Home sales also saw a significant increase over the year prior.

These are signs we have hopefully weathered the storm of an economic downturn that lasted several years and are on the way to a more prosperous future.

Along those same storylines, The Democrat reported Friday Wilson County’s unemployment rate for November ranked the third-lowest in the state. In addition, November’s rate was one of the lowest on record for 2013. This is yet another signal economic growth is happening locally.

Just last week, The Democrat also reported several industries looking to relocate to Wilson County. Joint Economic and Community Development Board Executive Director G.C. Hixson said despite the Christmas holiday season, inquiries continue to roll in from companies potentially looking to set up shop in Wilson County.

And with growth comes expansion, and it appears our leaders are looking to the future, as well. A new Watertown High School will open with the first day of school in August, and work is set to begin on a classroom addition at Winfree Bryant Middle School in Lebanon.

Two significant projects also passed major hurdles recently in a new Expo Center planned for the Wilson County Fairgrounds, as well as the Cumberland Events Center in Lebanon. The Expo Center plans are on their way to the state legislature while the Events Center is but one Lebanon City Council vote away from passage.

These plans would give additional economic boost to Wilson County, as well as create more entertainment opportunities for its residents, as well as visitors from surrounding areas.

We look forward to what the future holds for Wilson County. If these recent bits of good news are any indication, we are in store for some big things in 2014 and beyond.